I read an article recently about interesting ways to pair basics, and they suggested wearing a teeshirt and pencil skirt with a pair of Keds (or similar sneakers). I wasn’t especially feeling like wearing sneakers today, but felt these Birkenstock-inspired leather sandals had a similar casual vibe. Typically when I wear a pencil skirt, I do pair it with something a bit more “office stereotypical” (for instance), but I love this more casual take. The drapey jacket worked with the neutral feeling I was going for and is casual enough that it also worked with the tee and sandals, while still complementing the officey pencil skirt. I would wear a variation on this often – maybe next time with a graphic tee, jeans jacket and wedges.

Also swell? This jersey knit pencil skirt. I have to employ a technique from my all-girls high school days, and roll the waist band to make the skirt shorter and fit better (I bought it online and didn’t … care? that is isn’t the right fit/size… rolled three times makes it a much better length for me).

Do you have any easy seamstressless tricks to get your clothes to fit you better?

I’m done with pants. Completely, utterly DONE with them. I want bare legs, skirts, dresses…. even if the weather isn’t QUITE there yet.

Since I got dropped off and picked up from work yesterday, I didn’t even hesitate – I put on my skirt and pumps and didn’t even think about my collection of tights. And it felt (if not a bit chilly) absolutely glorious.

This summer I benefitted from my mother’s generosity. In July, a package full of her cast-offs arrived, and I haven’t quite stopped squealing yet. I borrowed this skirt from mom during the family reunion last year, and I fell in love with the funky print, fit and the pockets. My maneuverability is reduced, due to the lack of a kick pleat, but it provides endless entertainment, as I often forget about the lack of a kick pleat, and frequently get stuck half-way over simple obstacles.

I pulled this outfit together to complement my glasses and new hair-style (new colour and bang trim, the rest of my hair didn’t need much of in the way of an update), and felt super funky all day! I love how much one vision-granting accessory changes the look of an outfit. Might need to buy myself a second pair!